I want to reload, where to start?

Today went better than last Friday :)

I loaded 100rds of .38spcl with 4.7gn of Unique pushing a 158gn JSP Sierra and all 100 went BANG!

I used my Ruger Security Six 4", which likes 125gn a little better, and it did just fine at 7yrds.

Probably could have been more accurate if my crimps were more accurate. I have discovered since I use mixed brass that some cases are longer than others and my crimps are anywhere from perfect to too damn tight.


Now I'm going to try some lighter bullets, maybe even cast
 
I have come a long way since I first made this thread!

As the thread stated I knew nothing, I will tell you now, I have a lot to learn. But I have gained so much knowledge about re-loading, re-loading for my firearms, and the sport we all love so much.

Yes I spent way to much money, but its my money! My kids are taken care of, my house payment gets made every month, all my bills are paid, I have reliable transportation.

So with that said, here is my bench. I'm still waiting on my .380 die set and I haven't decided where I'm going to mount my single stage press for my case prep area but other than that, Its done!

I have spent less on my set up than one would think. I like being able to switch out each turret with its dedicated powder measure, run a 20-50 rounds and move to the next caliber. Load work ups are super easy with the Lee Auto Drums.

It is what I dreamed of when I started making purchases 5 months ago and reloading 4 months ago. I have loaded around 1,000 trouble free rounds since then and dialed in one deer rifle and my .44 super blackhawk, still working on others. I load 9mm and .38spcl in 100 round lots now with no issues.

I truly enjoy this new hobby. I may never save enough to get back my initial investment but that isn't why I got into this hobby. It wasn't about saving money. It was about that DIY motto that I live by. If my Jeep needs repair, I do it myself. Same thing with my house. Now I can fix my own ammo too, it works for me!

IMG_20160309_201045265.jpg
 
Outstanding progress!

I looked through this thread and you have received some excellent advice and your results speak for themselves. I would add one small thing if you don't mind.

If I could go back to the beginning of my reloading days I would probably change more than a few things. But if I had to pick one I would say "start taking notes!"

I could have saved a lot of time, money and effort if I had recorded my experiences and not tried to rely on a faulty memory.

Keep up the good work!


Steve in N CA
 
I see you have a magnifying glass there . I used one for awhile but then switched to one of these . Not sure if this is the exact one but mine was not much more if at all . They're nice because you can use both hands on your work and it flips up out of the way if needed or you can look under them like one can do with glasses . They are not real powerful but I've found I just need that little extra to see what I'm doing some times and the fact you use both eyes to focus on the item seem to make high magnification less needed .
http://www.amazon.com/SE-MH1047L-Il...2&sr=8-5&keywords=magnifying+glass+with+light
 
Outstanding progress!

I looked through this thread and you have received some excellent advice and your results speak for themselves. I would add one small thing if you don't mind.

If I could go back to the beginning of my reloading days I would probably change more than a few things. But if I had to pick one I would say "start taking notes!"

I could have saved a lot of time, money and effort if I had recorded my experiences and not tried to rely on a faulty memory.

Keep up the good work!


Steve in N CA
Click to expand...

I write down every load and make notes as to accuracy, if it cycles well, recoil and any pressure signs.

The advice given on here has been outstanding! This group has been very patient with me and I appreciate it!

I see you have a magnifying glass there . I used one for awhile but then switched to one of these . Not sure if this is the exact one but mine was not much more if at all . They're nice because you can use both hands on your work and it flips up out of the way if needed or you can look under them like one can do with glasses . They are not real powerful but I've found I just need that little extra to see what I'm doing some times and the fact you use both eyes to focus on the item seem to make high magnification less needed .
http://www.amazon.com/SE-MH1047L-Ill...ass+with+light
Click to expand...

I have a set like that but they are not lighted. My problem is wearing something on my head, besides a baseball cap, drives me nuts! I have one of those magnifiers that mounts to the work bench and is lighted with LED's but I haven't mounted it yet. The little magnifier glass works good for inspecting brass just before it gets cycled, if I see something out of place.
 
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